Yes, it was last year. But there is no head to head film on this season, so I looked at the 2018 game.
An interesting note is that all of Oregon’s OL are the same, just like all of Utah’s DL. The one difference is that Penei Sewell missed the game due to injury. This match up is a key to the game. Utah stood toe-to-toe last year, allowing 3.7 yards per carry for 117 rushing yards. They also had four sacks and 12 TFLs.
The guy that killed the Utes was Dillion Mitchell, who had eight receptions for nearly 170 yards, to go along with two TDs. They don’t have a guy on the outside like him anymore. Their All-Pac 12-type TE Jake Breeland is out with an injury, as is their star freshman WR Mycah Pittman. I don’t think one WR can hurt us like last year. Johnson III is their biggest threat. So stopping the run is a must.
On Utah’s offense, it was Jason’s Shelley’s first start, as a true freshman. And also no Zach Moss for the Utes. They still almost racked up 500 yards of total offense. Matt Gay’s six FGs were the difference. Can’t settle for FGs this year.
On Oregon’s special teams, they blocked a Mitch Wishnowsky punt and ran it back to the Utah three yard line. This special teams play set up a TD to give them the lead in the fourth quarter. But they wouldn’t score again. Ute’s TD on their next series put them ahead for good and they added another FG on their next drive.
Both teams are better than last year. The special teams factor, could be a cause for concern. Redding might be needed to score points. And Lennon hasn’t seen pressure like this. Aside from turnover battle and line of scrimmage, what are your keys to the game?
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